Fiddling with history yields unexpected results

Why did we lose the John and Benjamin Mallowes House ("Winds crush Chatham home," March 27)?

capecodtimes.com

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Posted Apr. 6, 2014 at 2:00 AM
Updated Apr 13, 2014 at 2:11 AM

Posted Apr. 6, 2014 at 2:00 AM
Updated Apr 13, 2014 at 2:11 AM

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Why did we lose the John and Benjamin Mallowes House ("Winds crush Chatham home," March 27)?

This historic home stood for 200 years during many hurricanes and blizzards. But because it was undergoing a renovation approved by the Cape Cod Commission, it collapsed during the March 26 blizzard.

Do we need another trophy home instead of a piece of history? That may be a question the Chatham Historical Commission and the Cape Cod Commission may want to give some thought to next time someone wants to "renovate" for "more living space."

I have postcards and a calendar page that this wonderful home was featured on, as well as family photos taken during many happy summer vacations. I'll never drive by that location again. I want to remember "the little old house by the sea" that my grandfather Arthur Tarbell wrote about in his books as it was.

I hope the current owners are happy with their new home when it's finished.